YOSHIKO ANSPACH
I’ve been a member of First Lutheran Church for 28 years. I’ve been married to my husband, Michael Anspach for 27 years. We have two amazing children, Katie and Alex, and have been foster parents to several children.
I have served as Little Lamb Sunday school teacher, volunteered at Habitat for Humanity, Care and Share, Marion House, Feed the Children and most recently, Vacation Bible School.
Prior to becoming a foster mom, I worked at Ent Credit Union for 23 years as a Financial Analyst, Accounting Manager, and Payment Systems Manager. I enjoyed my time at Ent, but when God gave my husband and me signs for me to resign, I followed His lead. It has been not easy, but it is a blessing to serve children in need.
I enjoy being with my family and friends, reading,traveling, geocaching, playing pickleball and watching movies.

BRENDA BOCEK
My husband, Andrejs, and I moved to Colorado Springs from Valparaiso, IN in December 2022 and joined First Lutheran in February 2023. We have two sons, Michael in Colorado Springs, and Peter in Burnsville, MN.
After graduating from Purdue University with an accounting degree, I worked as a financial analyst for Chevron in San Francisco, and a financial analyst for Pittsburgh National Bank in Pittsburgh. I have volunteered as a tax preparer for 12 years for the IRS VITA program. I currently serve on the Finance Committee.
I have been an active member of Lutheran congregations in Indiana, California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and South Carolina. As I continue to grow in my involvement at First Lutheran, I continue to learn of the ways First Lutheran is involved in the community, and I witness its focus on growing a healthy congregation. Sharing the love of Jesus with all will continue to bring God’s message of grace and promise to our community.

JULIE FURSTENAU
I have been a member of First Lutheran since 1990. I taught high school chemistry for nearly 30 years, and retired in 2017. I have been a handbell ringer here since I first became a member. I have served as a greeter, usher and member of the count team throughout the years. In addition, I have really enjoyed being able to be involved with some of the more social aspects of our congregation, especially the crafting group and serving as a Peel House host, since my retirement.

MARTA HOLLEY
I joined First Lutheran Church shortly after moving to Colorado Springs in 1996. Over the years I have been an active member of the church. Ministries I have volunteered for include greeter, usher, Welcome Center host, reception host, IHN and member of the Church Council.
I am an Optometrist at Eye Associates of Colorado Springs. My husband Mark and I enjoy spending time at the lake, camping, skiing and visiting family.

Kiersten Lehmkuhl
I, along with my husband, own and operate a local exterior remodeling company. I am originally from Ohio, and lived in Virginia for 15 years before moving to Colorado Springs. My favorite things about First Lutheran are their incredible job of bringing the Christian life into the local community and all the amazing small groups they have to participate in, which makes it so easy to meet new and friendly people.

Cris Waters
I grew up in and was confirmed at First Lutheran back in the 80s and 90s. I went to college at Texas Christian University and remained in Texas for 25 years. I have a BFA in Ballet and a BA in English. My family and I moved back to Colorado Springs in 2018. My husband, Rick, works at Focus on the Family. We have two children; Ethan is 18 and Lucy is 14. I’ve worked for Thomson Reuters for 24 year, and I also work part-time at the Ballerina Boutique. I previously served on Church Council at St. Paul Lutheran in Fort Worth. I enjoy reading, baking, and gardening, and I love being back in a climate where you can actually enjoy being outdoors!